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Intraspecific variation in growth response to drought stress across geographic locations and genetic groups in Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner
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  • Catherine Kiwuka,
  • Jan Vos,
  • Bob Douma,
  • Pascal Musoli,
  • John Mulumba,
  • Valerie Poncet,
  • Niels Anten
Catherine Kiwuka
National Agricultural Research Organisation

Corresponding Author:kiwukakathyrn@gmail.com

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Jan Vos
Wageningen University & Research
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Bob Douma
Wageningen University & Research
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Pascal Musoli
National Coffee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization
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John Mulumba
National Agricultural Research Organization
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Valerie Poncet
IRD
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Niels Anten
Wageningen University & Research
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Abstract

Uganda lies within the drier end of the natural distribution range of Coffea canephora and contains unexplored genetic material that could be drought-adapted and useful for developing climate-resilient varieties. Using experimental treatments, (i) ample and (ii) restricted-water, response of 148 genotypes were studied comprising wild, feral and cultivated C. canephora. Biomass allocation, standing leaf area and leaf area growth data were collected. Linear mixed effect models and PCA were used to analyse effect of drought on genotypes from different: (i) cultivation status, (ii) genetic groups and (iii) locations. We assessed the relationship between drought tolerance for relative growth rate in leaf area (RGRA), total number of leaves (TNL), total leaf area (TL) and total leaf dry weight (TLDW) of genotypes at final harvest. Restricted-water reduced RGRA across genetic groups (3.2 – 32.5%) and locations (7.1 – 36.7%) but not cultivation status. For TNL, TL and TLDW, genotypes that performed well in ample-water performed worse under restricted-water, indicating growth-tolerance trade-off. Drought tolerance in RGRA and TNL were negatively correlated with wetness index suggesting some degree of adaptation to local climate. Findings indicate a growth-tolerance trade-off within this tropical tree species and drought tolerance of Uganda’s C. canephora is somewhat associated with local climate.
25 May 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
26 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Jun 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Oct 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Oct 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Dec 20221st Revision Received
16 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
16 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
16 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Accept